FAST FORWARD SEVERAL WEEKS…

Okay, this is it, babe, I can feel it, Tina said, holding the pregnancy test nervously in both hands.

Bette was pacing across the kitchen. How long is that stupid thing supposed to take, anyway? I feel like its been years already!

Sweetie, I just walked out of the bathroom with it about ten seconds ago, Tina reminded her gently. She took a seat at the kitchen table, staring at the test in her hands. Bette, stop pacing. Youre making me dizzy.

Bette ignored her, practically wearing holes in the flooring as she continued to stalk about in a tight circle.

Somethings happening! Tina yelled excitedly.

Bette covered her eyes with her hands. Oh, I cant look!

Bette, Tina muttered softly, disbelief coursing through her veins as she stared at the pregnancy test in her shaking hands.

Hmmm? Bette murmured, peeking through splayed fingers at her wife.

Were pregnant, Tina stated simply, staring at Bette in amazement.

Bettes arms fell to her sides. We are? Really? She rushed over and grabbed Tina, pulling her out of the chair into a hug. They just stood there quietly for several moments, holding each other, before Tina burst into tears. Surprisingly, Bette did the same.

Alice, Shane, and Dana chose that moment to troop in, stopping in surprise at the sight before them.

What are you guys doing here? Bette asked, wiping her cheek with the back of a shaking hand.

I called them for moral support, Tina responded.

Moral support for what? Shane inquired.

Bette looked at Tina and smiled. You guys, were pregnant!

Youre what? Both of you? Dana asked.

Alice socked her in the shoulder. No, dummy, Tina is. You know what they mean. Oh my God, congratulations, you guys!

Yeah, congratulations! Shane echoed.

Dana took the pregnancy test from Tina, turning it over in her hands. How do these things work?

Well, first you just pee on it and – Tina began.

Augghhh! You mean you peed on this? Dana screeched.

Duh, Dane, howd you think it worked? Shane rolled her eyes.

Eww! Ick! I have pee on me! Dana shrieked, throwing the pregnancy test into the air, where it smacked Alice directly in the face. Ahhh! Now Alice has pee on her face!

Danas panic was contagious. Alice began to freak out. Oh my God, Ive got piss face! she screamed, pushing past Shane to the sink. She threw the water on full-blast, carefully sticking her face under the stream.

Bette grinned mischievously, accidentally bumping Alice with her hip so that her entire head was shoved under the rapid flow of water.

Dammit! Thats cold! Im going to kill you, Bette! Alice yelped, coming up spluttering and coughing.

Oh, go soak your head, Bette told her with a devilish smile.

Dana, Shane, and Tina were laughing so hard they were having trouble standing up. Alice turned her dripping head their way. I wouldnt laugh if I were you, Dana. You still have pissy hands.

Dana yelped and dashed to the sink, vigorously scrubbing her hands until they were red.

Tina handed a towel to Alice, who gave her a grateful look in return.

Mom, tell Dad to leave me alone, Alice instructed, glancing from Tina to Bette before she shook her head as Lucy might do, spraying water everywhere, before wrapping the towel around her head turban-style.

Oh, dont you worry. Bette will get her punishment later, Tina promised slyly, letting her eyes roam up and down Bettes body.

Ewww. Dana made a face. Gross, you guys.

*********************************************

Jenny sat slumped over at the small table in the coffee shop, the ends of her long dark hair dangerously close to dipping into her cup of cold, untouched coffee. She didnt know why she came to this place everyday. The coffee tasted like used motor oil, and the place had little atmosphere. No, Jenny was lying to herself. She knew why she came here day after day: it was a coffee shop, and therefore it reminded her of Marina.

Speaking of Marina…Jennys head jerked up suddenly. Was that Marina who had just walked by the front window of the coffee shop? No, it was impossible, Jenny realized, her head drooping again.

Just when she thought she was finally getting over things, ghosts from her past appeared in her imagination to torture and haunt her.

*********************************************

Marina froze as she walked by the small coffee shop. Was that Jenny inside? Hoping against hope, she stood still a moment before backtracking and peering into the window.

The girl had her head down. It could be Jenny…couldnt it?

The young woman raised her head and their eyes locked. Marina felt fire course through her veins and heat her body, just as a shiver ran down the length of her spine. There she was: her Jenny.

*********************************************

Tim uttered a curse as he climbed down from the front of the tow truck. His car had once again decided to break down, forcing him to have to call for a tow. He watched the tow truck driver pull out of the driveway, his car hanging from it on its way to the car to see if it could be fixed.

He was so deep in thought that he didnt even realize what was sitting in the driveway. And when he did, he stood frozen in shock. Whos is that? Tim said aloud.

Parked in his driveway was a cherry-red, shiny, vintage 1964 Mustang convertible. It was beautiful, and Tim walked slowly around it, afraid to even breathe for fear of somehow dirtying it up. Under the windshield wiper was an envelope with his name typed on the front.

Inside the envelope he found a set of keys, the cars title (in his name), and a typewritten letter.

Dear Tim,

You have been caused pain in the past, and yet you have persevered. Here is something to make life both easier and more enjoyable. Keep your head up. You are a good man who does well for others.

Love,

…Youll figure it out eventually.

Tim just stood there, wondering if this was a prank or not. He tried the key in the door and to his surprise, the door unlocked and opened. Sliding carefully into the dark leather seat and inhaling the rich scent as the leather creaked beneath him, he tried the key in the ignition.

The car roared to life with a sound that would many any gearheads heart skip a beat. Tim listened to the purr of the engine, realization setting in.

This was for real. This was his car. There was only one thing for him to do.

Tim threw his fist into the air. Woo hoo! Thank you, whoever you are! And then, with the expression on his face like that of a kid in a candy store, he took off out of the driveway with a squeal of tires to test out his new ride.

*********************************************

Jenny, Marina said softly, sitting down beside her.

Jenny avoided her eyes. What are you doing here?

You know why Im here, Marina said quietly.

Jenny finally met her eyes. No, I dont. Enlighten me.

Marina took a deep, shaky breath. You. Jenny, I came here for you. I love you, and I want you to come home with me.

Jenny stared at her. Why should I? Give me one good reason.

Taking Jennys small hands in hers, Marina replied, Because Im in love with you, and I miss you dearly. My life is empty and complete without you. Everyone misses you.

Jenny was struggling to fight back the emotions rising inside of her as she allowed Marina to stroke her hands tenderly.

Jenny, I have a story to tell you. This should explain some things, Marina told her.

She told Jenny her life story and all about Francesca, and how she had been unable to let Jenny know before how much she loved her. When she was finished, Jenny sat in disbelief.

Marina, I…I…dont know what to say, Jenny stuttered, tears in her eyes.

Come home with me. We can go now. A flight leaves soon, and Ill send someone for your things. We can be back in L.A. by this evening. Please, Jenny, I love you.

A tear escaped Jennys eye. I love you, too, Marina. Now lets go before I change my mind.

*********************************************

Bette sat behind the desk in her office, finishing up a conference call with Peggy Peabody in New York. As she replaced the phone in its cradle, she smiled at Tina, who was sitting across from her at the desk, patiently waiting for Bette to finish up so they could go out to lunch together and celebrate and spend some time together.

As Bette gathered her purse, James stuck his head in the door. Bette, theres a Candace on line two returning your call from the other day. Shes says its urgent. He trailed off, noticing Tina. Oh, um, hi, Tina. Congratulations.

Tina mumbled a reply, staring at Bette. James slipped back out of the door, realizing that trouble was brewing.

Candace, huh? Returning your call? Tina asked angrily.

Tee, wait, I can explain, Bette began, but was interrupted by a furious Tina.

No, you wait, Bette. Im not listening to your bullshit. I cant believe this is happening again. Not now. And I called the woman brave for apologizing. Ha! She laughed a sharp, harsh cackle devoid of any humor.

Tina, its not what you think, Bette protested in frustration, banging her purse down on the desk.

I told you, Bette, I dont want to hear your bullshit. Dont talk to me right now. Just stay away. Consider this lunch date cancelled, Tina said bitterly, fighting back tears as she quickly stalked away.

Wait, Tee! Bette screamed desperately, running to the door.

Too late. Tina was already gone. Bette sank back into her desk chair, despair washing over her. Its not what you think, she repeated aloud, her chin dropping to her chest in defeat.

*********************************************

Alice walked into The Planet, saw Bette, and sat down. Okay, Porter, whats the deal with this frantic phone call? Whats going on?

Bette stared at her miserably. Tina thinks Im cheating again. She then told Alice what had just transpired.

Okay, so whats the deal with Candace? Alice asked warily, wanting to believe Bette.

Tina didnt let me explain. This is a different Candace. This is Candace Thomas, an artist out of New York. Ive been trying to secure some of her works for an upcoming exhibit at the CAC, and Peggy Peabody has been helping me.

Alice eyed her closely. Thats the truth?

Bette nodded, rubbing her face with her hands.

Swear? Alice asked.

Yes, Bette replied indignantly. Its the absolute truth.

Pinkie swear? Alice insisted, holding out her pinkie.

Bette looked at her strangely. Thats so grade school, Al.

Alice cleared her throat, indicating she was serious. With a sigh, Bette hooked her pinkie with Alices. Before she could pull her hand away, Alice tightened her grip. Cross your heart and hope to die?

Bette rolled her eyes and repeated it.

Stick a needle in your eye? Alice added.

Bette glared at her and jerked her hand free. Yes, Alice, Im being truthful. Besides, Candace Thomas is a three hundred and fifty pound senior citizen with gray hair and a wart on her nose. Shes not exactly my type.

Sounds *****, Alice quipped. She observed Bette silently a moment. Alright, works for me. I believe you. Now we just have to convince Tina.

Bette glanced at her. We?

Alice nodded. Yes, we. You obviously need all the help you can get here. Were going to come up with a plan to win Tina back. Gush, romantic stuff. You know, stuff you seem to have forgotten about.

Bette cringed at the comment. You know Im not good at that stuff.

Thats where I come in. Alice grinned.

Youre sure this romantic stuff will work?

Trust me, girls like Tina are suckers for romance. They eat the ***** up.

Girls like Tina? Whats that supposed to mean? Bette demanded.

Quit being so difficult. You know what I mean. Let me call my minions and well get to work.

Your minions? Bette repeated.

Yeah, my cohorts. You know, Shane and Dana, and maybe even Lara, Kit, Ivan, and Tim. We all want to see you guys happy, Alice told her.

I just wish Tina would trust me, Bette said mournfully.

You havent earned her trust. Thats something you need to work on.

Well, what do I do first?

Alice bit her lip thoughtfully, and then her eyes lit up. A poem. Youre gonna write her a poem.

Oh, come on, Al, I cant write poetry, Bette protested with a weak laugh.

Im going to help you. Dont worry.

Thats why Im so worried. Youre serious about this, arent you?

Of course. Dont I look serious? Alice asked, crossing her eyes.

Bette just shook her head. Change of subject, please. Have you heard from Marina lately?

You weasel, Alice muttered with a snort. Yeah, shes still looking for Jenny, last I heard. She moved out of her parents place, and nobody knows where she went. Her parents know, of course, but they arent saying. Tim sweet-talked Jennys mom on the phone for over an hour the other day but got nowhere. Jenny made her parents promise not to tell anyone where she moved. Tim managed to find out that shes still in the same town, but thats about it.

Bette shook her head. I cant believe Marina jumped on a plane and went after her.

Alice stared intently at Bette. I think its great. Shes trying to win back the woman she loves. Shes going after what she wants and not sitting on her ***** worrying. Somehting we need to get you to do.

Bette glared at her. Look whos talking.

Alice suddenly became very interested in the tabletop, staring down at it closely, studying it. Im working on it.

Doing what?

Youll see. Something big. These things take time.

Bette snorted. You cant lecture me about fighting for the woman I love when youre not doing it yourself.

Alices head shot up. Who said I love Dana?

Bette took a quick look at her. Do you? Alice shrugged in response. I think you do, Alice. You just have to admit it.

Stay out of my life, Bette. Lets just fix yours for right now. Ive got mine under control, Alice said, almost looking angry.

Bette threw up her hands in mock surrender. Sure. Boy, were a mess, arent we? What a pair.

Speak for yourself. Now, starting writing down some ideas. I want a rough draft, no matter how incomplete, tonight. It doesnt have to be a literary masterpiece. That is your assignment, and you have no choice but to do it, so youd better get your tight ***** in gear.

Or? Bette raised an eyebrow.

Or I might have to kill you, Alice joked. She turned serious, covering Bettes hand with her own. Dont worry, Porter, were going to straighten this out. Let me call my partners in crime and get scheming, and Ill see you tonight. Now stop stressing and get poetic, Alice instructed. This will work. Trust me.

Trust you? Do I look crazy?

Honestly, yes. Now start writing if you want your wife back.

*********************************************

Ivan stood on his front porch, a seriously beautiful and sickeningly expensive white Fender guitar leaned up against the door. A typed note stuck between the strings read:

Dear Ivan,

You are a truly great man. Keep your friendship with Kit strong – you make her so very happy. There is something there; she just hasnt realized it yet. Keep playing and singing for us all.

Love,
…Youll figure it out eventually.

Ivan strummed the guitar experimentally. As hed told Kit recently, he hadnt played the guitar in months, especially since hed broken three fingers in a work accident last year. He stretched the stiff fingers out, wiggling them around. It looked like hed be playing more often now.

*********************************************

Dana stared at a tearful Tina. So youre fighting with Bette?

Tina nodded miserably, having just told Dana what happened earlier.

The phone rang, and Dana excused herself to answer it. It was Alice, who quickly briefed Dana on Bettes side of the story. Tina is here now. What do I do? Do I tell her that Bette isnt cheating?

Alice considered this before answering. No, she wont believe you. Just stay quiet and well get them back together with The Plan.

The Plan? Dana asked.

Yes, The Plan. Thats what Im calling it, Alice replied.

Dana? Tina called, wandering into the room. Can I stay here tonight?

Can you stay here tonight? Dana repeated for Alices benefit.

No! Say no! Alice hissed into her ear.

No, Dana said.

Wait, wait! Thats perfect. Ive got a better idea. Say yes! Alice shouted through the receiver.

Um, I mean, yes. You can stay here, Dana corrected, beginning to feel confused.

Tina also looked a bit bewildered. Um, okay, thanks, Dane.

Now what Dana whispered into the phone, turning away from Tina.

Come over to Bette and Tinas tonight, Alice commanded cryptically, hanging up abruptly.

Dana shook her head and replaced the phone onto its base. Overdramatic, as usual, she muttered.